Telecel license finally cancelled, gets notice to decommission equipment

Telecel Zimbabwe had its operating license canceled by the country's regulator and given three months notice to decommission equipment.

The company had been working with the government to resolve a dispute after Information and Communication Technology Minister Supa Mandiwanzira said Telecel hadn't made license-fee payments and failed to comply with the nation's black ownership laws. Telecel Zimbabwe was one of three mobile phone service providers in the country.

"The Telecel Zimbabwe license has been canceled," the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe said in a statement handed to reporters in Bulawayo on Wednesday. While the decision is effective April 28, Telecel was granted a 30-day license so customers have time to switch providers.

Angeline Vere, general manager for Telecel Zimbabwe, didn't answer a phone call requesting comment. VimpelCom will comment later on Wednesday, spokesman Artem Minaev said by phone from Amsterdam, where the company is based.

Telecel may appeal to the Minister Mandiwanzira, the regulator said.